The World Of Netsuke

Amassed over more than thirty-five years, the Werdelmann Collection is one of the most important netsuke collections in the world. It provides a unique survey of this Japanese art form which was at its height between the late 17th century and the early 20th century. Comprising more than 1100 objects, the collection

Netsuke have once again come to the fore in the popular imagination of the public. This book brings together one hundred of the beautiful and interesting netsuke from the extensive collection of the British Museum, each of which has its own special charm and story to tell.

Japanese netsuke—miniature carvings—are profiled in this wonderful Japanese arts book. These tiny masterpieces of sculpture (mostly in ivory and wood), of lacquer, and of metalwork captivated collectors with the charm of their conception, the intricacy of their detail, and the sheer tactile pleasure of handling them. Basically they were utilitarian in purpose, serving as toggles or pendants to support medicine boxes, tobacco pouches, and similar articles suspended by a cord from the obi. Originally primitive in design, they soon became more and more sophisticated, and their makers turned increasingly to the legendry of Japan for their subject matter. It is with these masterpieces in miniature that author-collector Raymond Bushell deals in The Wonderful World of Netsuke picturing one hundred of them in color and offering a delightfully informative description of each. In so doing, he provides not only a visual treat but also an absorbing commentary on Japanese manners, customs, history, legends, and superstitions. Mr. Bushell, besides being an avid collector of netsuke, sword furnishings, and jade, is widely known for his adaptation from the Japanese of The Netsuke Handbook of Ueda Reikichi.

Drawing on the Victoria and Albert Museum's fine collection, Japanese Netsuke examines these appealing, accessible, and often humorous works of art in the broadest possible context. In a text that is both comprehensive and entertaining, Julia Hutt traces the history of netsuke, showing how these highly collectible objects originated from belt hangings used by nomads along the Silk Road. The stunning color photographs reveal the full range of subjects portrayed--images of animals, birds, and sea creatures, portraits of dancers and demons, droll cameos of characters from everyday urban life, even a rare poetic evocation of landscape--and the high level of skill involved in their creation. The richness and diversity of the materials used, as well as the different sources of inspiration, are also discussed, providing an indispensable guide for collectors and all those interested in Japanese decorative arts.

With dozens of photos and illustrations, A Introduction to Netsuke is a readable and thorough guide to Japanese miniature art. Among the many Japanese fine arts, few have aroused greater admiration than the netsuke. This miniature piece of Japanese sculpture, approximately 1 1/2 inches in size, was designed (in the absence of pockets on kimonos) as an aid in suspending articles such as tobacco pouches from the sash of a kimono. It developed in ancient times as a utilitarian object, but became in the 16th century an artistic one as well, and flourished as such until 1926. No longer commonly worn, the netsuke is now a collectors' item, avidly sought throughout the world by those sensitive to its fine qualities. This book opens the miniature world of netsuke to those who have hitherto been unaware of its existence. In a delightfully lucid manner, the basics of the netsuke are presented-definition, origin, development, materials, statistics, and photographs. This book admirably fulfills its task of introducing the netsuke to the layman, irresistibly drawing him to new pleasures in aestheticism and culture.

Contemporary Netsuke is an in-depth study of Japanese netsuke—miniature sculptures that are favorites of collectors and artists. In this unusual and engaging Japanese art book the author traces the historical background of netsuke and goes on to examine its current state, at the same time providing the background knowledge that every collector needs concerning authenticity, workmanship, and materials along with a wealth of information on subject matter, techniques, scholarly interest, and investement. Over 110 signatures and brief biographies of present-day netsuke and okimono carvers are included, and there are close-up studies of 27 leading artists. Contemporary Netsuke also includes nearly 200 illustrations, a photo essay showing the creation of a netsuke, and numerous sketches picturing legendary themes. A comprehensive list of dealers, a bibliography, and a glossary-index complete this authoritative, thorough and lively introduction to one of the oldest and newest of Japan's living arts.